8 Best Surfboards for Beginners of 2019

Depending on wave condition surfing can be something of an extreme sport, and if you're just starting out you don't want to head straight out into wild conditions only to find yourself in deep water, so to speak. It's important to know your own abilities, and select a surfboard to match. Beginner surfers should be looking for larger and longer surfboards, that will be more buoyant and a bit more forgiving when you get thrown of the board into the churn of a wave for the umpteenth time.

It's important not to launch straight into the water right away, and is almost always best to take a few lessons first until you start to build up your confidence. Truthfully, with a few surfing lessone under your belt you will be standing up on the board and catching your first waves in no time. So in order to give you, my dear readers, a the best possible start, we've put together a list of the top surfboards for beginners to get you out there and enjoying the sport of surfing.

So, If you are one of these people who can't wait for summer and you are on the hunt for the best surfboard to move you from beginner to intermediate as quickly as possible, then this list of beginner boards is exactly what you are looking for.

Our Selection of The 8 Best Surfboards for Beginners

For this selection we went back to school and took a few lessons so we could go out an these beginner boards. During this time we were able to use most of these surfboards listed. And honestly, we were surprised at how much fun we had riding these starter boards on smaller waves. That's the thing with surfing, jsut being out there is fund and puts a smile on your face, whatever the conditions. It also didn't hurt to re-learn some of the basics, as instructors can take a look at your stance and will always have some tips. These guys and girls have really seen it all before.

So, without further ado, to help you get further and faster in your surfing journey, here are the top 8 surfboards that made the beginner list for 2019...

Giantex 6' Foamie Surfboard

The Giantex 6' Foamie Surfboard measures 72 inches in length, 20 inches in width, and 3 inches in thickness. It weighs a total of 10 pounds and comes in red and blue colors.

According to most surfers nowadays, especially the newbies in the field, this has developed over the years to become one of the best surfboard for beginners, due in part to its overall build quality and durability. Moreover, due to its stability in the water it can be well suited to both adult and younger surfers.

However, I feel that this might be a little too big and heavy for smaller children. The good thing about it, though, is that for older and heavier riders it can carry surfers weighing up to 200 pounds.

Now, this board has a reputation as a durable build so let’s talk a little about its construction. The Giantex 6' Foamie Surfboard's deck is made of EPE or expanded polyethylene which gives beginner surfers the cushioning and shockproof features that they oh-so need. Trust me, you'll find out soon enough why this is a good thing.

This surfboard’s core, on the other hand, is made of EPS or expanded polystyrene, shaving off some of its potential weight, though it's still not what I would consider light. We could talk much more about the technicalities of this surfboard but at the end of the day, as a beginner surfer, the main thing that matters is that this surfboard give you ample space to support yourself in the water and it floats easily. Also, the graphics are kinda cute, though sadly this won't affect your surfing skills.

Despite its size this surfboard doesn't feel too heavy at all. It can carry surfers that weigh up to 190 pounds and is good for beginners, as well as expert surfers who sometimes like to take these boards out for, well, a bit of a ruccus. Accordingly, I included this surfboard in my list of the best surfboard for beginners for this reason alone, as its capable of growing with the surfer as his or her skills progress.

Regarding its composition, the 7’ Ruccus Surfboard’s deck is made of IXPE foam with a unique "croc" textured EVA skin.

If you are not familiar with some of the jargon used in relation to surfboard construction, IXPE is actually a higher density material than most of the materials that are normally used in surfboards. And because of this, it allows for enhanced rigidity and overall durability of the board. In addition, this material also provides high-quality water protection.

Somewhat uniquely, the Croc-textured EVA foam does not require wax to maintain your surfboard, meaning you'll be saving cash on all those blocks of wax you'd otherwise need to maintain your grip on the deck. Just like the Giantex 6’ Surfboard, the South Bay Board Co. 7’ Ruccus Surfboard core is also made of EPS. Its crosshatched mesh bottom is made of slick HDPE or "high-density polyethylene". This material is very tough so that it does not compromise the surfboard’s performance.

I noticed actually found this Surfboard quite easy to maneuver, even in choppier conditions. Not to mention, again, that it also comes in awesome colors, which totally have zero effect on your surfing ability!

Overall, I consider this surfboard to be the best surfboard for beginners who really want a genuinely durability starter board.

PROS

It is made of quality materials.

The construction is very durable

It's suitable for both beginners and people with a bit more experience.

The Driftsun Throwdown Wakesurf Board - 4' 8" Custom Surf Style Wakesurfer is for beginner and intermediate riders; it can also work for advanced riders, but they might want to customize the fin setup.

This board made the list even though it's not technically a surfboard in the traditional sense and it works best in the wake from a powerboat. This year we decided to make the somewhat controversial decision to include a wakesurfer product for a couple of reasons. Firstly, sometimes the ocean can be flat, and on those days this is a version of the sport that has really been taking off in the past few years. Secondly, this board is super-easy to get up on, and in almost no time it makes you feel like you actually know how to surf (even when you don’t).

And if you ask me, this is a huge factor that helps in learning the basics of surfing because it can really provide positive effects, not least to a new surfers confidence. And for that reason alone we decided to include this new and upcoming type of surfing in our list of the best surfboards for beginners today.

The Driftsun Throwdown Wakesurf Board - 4' 8" Custom Surf Style Wakesurfer is short at 4 feet and 8 inches in length, 20 inches in width, and 1.5 inches in tapered thickness. It is made with EPS (expanded polystyrene) core with a natural wood stringer and has a custom shaped that really helps with control. It is hand-finished with epoxy and layered fiberglass. Its traction pad is Diamond Machine Cut made of EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) with a kicktail.

It has a F4 quad fin, though this can be interchangeable with all the other kinds of fins for a customized feel. Pretty cool! Because of its fin setup, the Driftsun Throwdown Wakesurf Board - 4' 8" Custom Surf Style Wakesurfer is designed to grow with the rider.

PROS

It is good for beginners up through intermediate riders.

It has quad fin setup.

It can be used as a training surfboard

CONS

It's not a foam board, so can hurt if the board hits you when you fall.

Fin customization can be challenging at first.

It is not ideal for surfers who do not have basic knowledge of surfing.

Best Choice Products Beach Ocean Foamie Surfboard

Okay, among all the surfboards I tried, this was the least intimidating. It looks good, feels just right in the water and isn't too heavy out of it. You may not look the coolest person in the water, but it's a forgiving surfboard that will really help when you're still on surfing's steep learning curve.

In fact, if you've seen people take surfing lessons you've probably seen this board in the water already. And this is quite a tell which speaks on the suitability of this surfboard for beginners in recent times.

The Best Choice Products Beach Ocean Foamie Surfboard measures 72 inches in length, 20.5 inches in width, and 3.5 inches in thickness. It is made of slick HDPE (high-density polyethylene) with a high-speed bottom.

This surfboard comes with a free leash and traction pad plus its fins are removable so you can transport it easily. I feel this board is best for beginners and as such it may not hold up to a more experienced rider’s needs.

Wave Bandit EZ Rider 8'0, Mint, 8'

The Wave Bandit EZ Rider is back this year with the 8' Mint, another fun choice for both beginners and advanced riders from this brand.

It is soft top foam surfboard made with double maple wood stringers and an EPS (expanded polystyrene) core. We found this surfboard easy to use and soft.

The Wave Bandit EZ Rider 8' Mint is egg-shaped, which is a particularly nice form factor for those just starting out.

However, it needs surf wax for grip otherwise it has a tendency to be slippery in the water. Hence, this could mean an additional cost as you find yourself getting through bars of wax. This mean that users need to learn how to wax their surfboard.

But even so, this is still great for newbies which is why it made to my list of the best surfboard for beginners in 2019.

BIC Sport PAINT Surfboard

The BIC Sport PAINT Surfboards are available in different lengths: 4 feet and 11 inches, 5 feet and six inches, 6 feet, 6 feet and 6 inches, 7 feet, and 8 feet.

These surfboards are actually crafted for beginner surfers, but also something that they can still use as they progress in their respective surfing journeys. Also, I find the paint detail of the surfboard especially cool.

The BIC Sport PAINT Surfboard has a soft, non-slip deck. I like how light it is but can actually carry me pretty well in the water. And this is largely a good point if you are looking for the best surfboard for beginners, as buoyancy equals stability!

As for its overall structure, its core is made with EPS ((expanded polystyrene) and has IXPE (a kind of foam with a higher density) deck. So, you could expect genuine durability from this board. Moreover, the package comes with a thruster and twin fin setups to get you up and running and into the water quickly.

PROS

It is good for beginner surfers.

It is quite durable

It comes with a thruster twin fin setups.

CONS

Fine for intermediate surfers, though less so advanced.

It can be a little more expensive than most beginner-friendly surfboards

Xterra Inflatable 10' Stand Up Paddle Board

Yes, you heard that right - we're including a stand up paddle board in this years list of beginner surfboards.

Why? Because we've found that when you're starting out it's less about carving up the waves, and more about gaining confidence, standing up, and going in a straight line. These are all things a light and big SUP will have you doing and then some.

The added benefit here is that if you decide to go for this type of beginner-friendly "surfboard", you get to have a complete package for when the water is flat: inflatable board, military-grade drop-stitch reinforcement, deck pad and handle, bungee deck rigging, high-pressure pump and three-piece travel paddle.

Although some of these inclusions are not very useful for most beginners, they are quite helpful for surfers who want to get out into the ocean even on flat days. Some may take it as a good point, after all, SUP'ing is great for excersise and building up your core strength which will help immensely when you do get out into the waves.

In fact, as this would be a dual-sport, all-inclusive package, we feels it's a good fit for beginners and newbies, as if people find out that surfing is not for them, they have an easier option to fall back on. And as far as we're concerned, the more people in the water on any kind of board the better.

The Xterra Inflatable 10' Stand Up Paddle Board Premium SUP Bundle can carry a rider maximum weight of 250 pounds. This makes it a secured and stable ride, but we have to admit that it's gonna feel a bit different from the rest of the beginner surfboards on this years list.

It is 7 feet and three inches in length, 21.25 inches in width, and 2.50 inches in thickness. Some might find it a little heavy, though, at 12.5 pounds. Nonetheless, the stability it gives while paddling is second to none. We've seen beginners and advanced riders alike use this, showing how versatile it is.

In fact, there are intermediate and advanced surfers who would recommend this surfboard to their peers and friends in the industry. It goes to show that this is not only great for beginners, but it is also good for intermediate surfers.

The BIC Sport DURA-TEC Wahine Surfboard is definitely durable. You can feel it as soon as you touch the surfboard and once you are out on the water. Lots of surfers praise the feel, stability and durability of this surfboard even with intensive use.

This may sound a bit too subjective, but once you try it yourself you'll know what everyone's talking about!

In addition, it has an integrated tail pad that provides maximum traction, comfort, and control. Not only that, its fin set up is a thruster tri-fin and can be converted as quad fin as well. I’m not sure if this matters to you, but yes, it feels kinda bulletproof.

Things You Should Know Before Buying a Surfboard that's Best for Beginners

The best surfboard for beginners can be challenging to find. Aside from the fact that newbies and beginners are first-timers in the field, the range of products available today is quite wide.

With these things in mind it is wise take some time to understand the factors that could affect the quality of the product as these can have a huge impact on your buying decision.

So, read on as we include some of the things that you should consider and know before going out to buy surfboard that is right and appropriate for you.

Surfing Frequency

So, we already know you are a beginner surfer. Now the next question is, how often will you surf? Once or twice a year? A total of a week in a year? At least once a month? A few days a month? Or every week? The answer to this question will dictate the kind of surfboard you should invest in.

Although it is really needed for you to consider the durability of the surfboard, it is still wise for you to know your surfing frequencies. Keep in mind that, as a beginner, you will need to practice a lot, so you'll be spending a lot of time getting familiar with your surfboard. It can be hard work, but is essential if you really want to improve your skills and progress. Most people who buy surfboards have by and large given the sport a try and are now wanting to have their own board so they can get out there more often.

Surfer Weight

When choosing for the best surfboard for beginners it is a must to consider your weight, height, and fitness. These factors play an important role as much in your surfing as in your surfboard shopping.

If you are under 200 pounds, you might want to consider picking smaller boards because they will be easier to maneuver and you will find them more comfortable to paddle on them. If you are over 200 pounds (Represent!), you should choose a longer and thicker board. But the general rule? If you're not sure, go with a larger surfboard. It'll be much more forgiving while your learning and gaining confidence

Now, when you have decided to invest in a surfboard, make sure that you bring your measurements. Yes, you may have already decided which is the one that you like the most, but, most of the time, a good surfboard shop will ask these things from you before buying to make sure you and the board are a good match.

It may be surprising but actually, it makes sense. Knowing these details helps sellers select the ideal surfboard for you.

Surfboard Size: Length, Width, and Volume)

Also connected to your own weight and height, one of the things that you will want to size up is the appropriate surfboard weight and shape for you.

As a general rule, beginners should look for surfboards sized accordingly to their weight and height. And just by following this rule, you'll end up with the best surfboard for where you are in your surfing journey today. No matter the size, for beginners it should be stable, easy to control, and you should find it comfortable to paddle on.

The volume of your surfboard is the amount of space it occupies in the water. If your board does not have enough volume, then it cannot catch as many waves because it cannot produce the speed required due to increasing resistance, or in surfing speak, drag.

On the other hand, if your board has too much volume, it will feel bulky and you will have a hard time to manipulate it. Knowing the right surfboard volume for you has a lot to do with your personal preference, body weight, experience, age, fitness and skill level, and especially your riding style.

Price and What's Included in the Package

As I have mentioned earlier, the range of surfboards the market today is quite wide. And because of this variation of brands, types, and styles, prices will vary as well. Even so, it is largely up to how committed you think you will be to the sport as to whether you go for the more expensive types or the cheaper ones.

It is always important for you to note that expensive does not necessarily mean quality. And the same thing applies when buying the cheapest. Accordingly, inexpensive surfboards do not explicitly mean that they are low-quality types. As a matter of fact, there are budget-friendly boards that are seen by many as the best surfboard for beginners of today.

In relation to the price and cost, you may want to check the package inclusions. There are actually packages that can already provide everything that you will need in surfing along with the tools that you will need in order to maintain the quality of the surfboard.

On the other hand, many brands often only include the surfboard alone. Although this is a personal preference, our advice when you're starting out is that you should look for a package that already comes with the maintenance tools so as to keep costs down.

Surfboard Brands

Another important thing that you should consider before buying your surfboard is the brand. There are a number of brands today offering surfboards and related products. By knowing them and their respective reputation can help you to decide which board is the best one for you and for your surfing needs in the future.

The ones that I included in this list are typically the brands that are quite prominent for beginner surfers, and not necessarily the titans of the surf industry you may see at pro contests (who produce a very different type of product). But, you should be aware that brand is not the only basis of judging the quality. In addition, surfboard brands today offer several types and kinds of boards.

You may want to utilize these product ranges because each product line has its own specialization and distinct features. But while brands recognition can be really helpful, it should not be the main thing to consider.

Considering the brand of the surfboard is just one of the many helpful things to help you in making your buying decisions, though as a beginner just learning to surf it should not be the main thing you take into account when purchasing a new surfboard.

I'm a Beginner Surfer, So what do I Choose?

The Gold Coast Surfboards Soft Top Surfboard 7’ Ruccus Surfboard is the surfboard we think is best for beginners in 2019. Using this surfboard was so comfortable when we tested it. Easily to climb back up and try again when you fall off because the stability and support it gives is just right. It's comfortable to paddle and easy to maneuver. We truly enjoyed our time in the water with it.

Being a beginner to surfing is quite challenging. From learning all the basics and understanding all the things that there is to know makes choosing your first surfboards a big decision!

But we hope to have shown you that there is no need to be intimidated. In actuality, there are quite a few different ways of getting into the water, and different styles you can use and apply. We hope that this guide may be one of them!

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